PhD student awarded for promising research
Xi Cheng, a PhD candidate in CME, received the 2023-2024 College of Engineering Exceptional Research Promise Award.
The award recognizes top doctoral students for groundbreaking research across a wide range of fields, and it is given to students who are within a year of graduating and have demonstrated excellence in scholarship, academic publication, and other research-focused activities.
“I was very excited to learn that I had won the award. It recognizes my research and passion, motivating me to continue my academic journey with renewed enthusiasm,” said Cheng, who works under the direction of Professor Jane Lin in the SusTrans Lab at UIC.
“Xi’s solid mathematical and analytical skills and his unwavering devotion to academic research have made him the best student I’ve seen and had in my 20 years of academic life,” Lin said. “He enjoys his doctoral research tremendously and shows his deep understanding of the subjects. He is a deep thinker. It’s such a joy working with him for the intellectual stimulation and fun when making progress.”
Cheng’s research focuses on autonomous modular vehicles in urban environments and the electrification of long-haul trucks. He is also expanding his research into the interdependencies between transportation and energy, and AI applications in transportation.
“Dr. Lin has been incredibly supportive and helpful, guiding research directions and conference opportunities,” Cheng said. “CME provides a great environment for conducting research at UIC.”
Cheng is slated to graduate in August and plans to stay in academia. He is in the process of looking for postdoc positions.
“My goal is to advance research in sustainable transportation within academia and to make a meaningful impact on the community and society,” he said.